MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER is book six in Staci McLaughlin's Blossom Valley cozy mystery series. This story works as a standalone book, but it's more of a treat for longtime fans of the series. This book shows how Dana Lewis has grown since her introduction to readers. In the first Blossom Valley book, Dana was at a crossroads in her life, but she's since gotten comfortable with where she is in her career, with her family, and her love life. MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER has all the fun readers have come to expect with this series, but with a few hurdles in Dana's way to the altar.

Dana is finally marrying her steady boyfriend, and reporter, Jason Forrester. I really like how Ms. McLaughlin keeps Dana true to her practical ways and doesn't have her turn into an annoying bridezilla. Death stalks Dana as she tries to get flowers for her wedding, and her unpleasant florist is murdered. This is a murder mystery in which the victim is so disliked that multiple people, including her daughter, are believable suspects. Dana takes quite a few chances as she plays the role of PI, chasing down suspects and asking pointed questions without any backup. I kept guessing who the murderer was and changing my mind right up to the very end. Dana's mother assists her in getting info and a pig makes an unorthodox sounding board as Dana sorts scenarios out in her mind.

MARRIAGE IS PURE MURDER keeps readers on their toes and provides a delightfully cozy murder mystery with engaging characters. It's great to see Dana's sister Ashlee grow up a little in this story. The O'Connell Organic Farm and Spa makes a fabulous wedding site, as well as an interesting place to brainstorm or lure strangers with nefarious intentions. I look forward to Staci McLaughlin's next cozy mystery.

Book Summary

Wedding bells are ringing at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in California’s postcard-perfect Blossom Valley. The entire staff is pitching in to send one of their own down the aisle. But no one knew the nuptials could turn up so many secrets—or that marriage and murder could go hand in hand . . .

Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn’t dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana’s happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead—and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany’s killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she’ll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, “I do”—or she’ll be trading in her wedding dress for prison stripes . .